With only a few days left until Labor Day—the unofficial end of summer—I wanted to send the season off with something fun and colorful. I teamed up with Seven Daughters to introduce their new canned wine collection and create a quick, last-minute DIY: a hanging ice chest you can finish in about an hour. It’s an easy Ikea hack that’s budget-friendly and perfect for any summer send-off.
These portable ice chests were the ideal addition to a team picnic Amelia and I hosted at an unexpected local spot: an emu farm complete with birds, reptiles, and koi—only about 15 minutes from our studio. We brought wine, spicy Thai takeout, and a few blankets for a relaxed afternoon. Read on for the step-by-step to make your own colorful hanging ice chest and see more photos from our little field trip.
Materials
- Ikea hanging planters
- Primer spray paint
- Spray paint in two colors that blend well into a gradient
Instructions
1. Remove the plastic liner from the planter basket and set it aside. You’ll put it back in at the end so the finished ice chest is waterproof and ice won’t drip through.
2. Apply 1–2 coats of primer spray paint. You can brush on primer instead, but spray primer is faster and reaches all the crevices more easily. To cover every angle, try turning the basket upside down and spraying all the way around, then flip it right side up and spray again.
3. Start with the lighter paint color. Twist the planter’s hanging cords together tightly and let them spin—this helps create a consistent spray pattern. While the cords are rotating, spray the upper or middle section of the basket. This technique gives a clean, gradual transition and is simple to repeat.
4. Switch to the darker color and spray the middle or lower section of the basket, focusing where the first color ended to create a smooth gradient.
5. Once the paint is dry, reinsert the plastic liner, add ice and drinks, and hang the chest from a tree branch, porch hook, or stand. These are perfect for cans of Seven Daughters wine—currently available in Moscato and Pinot Noir. The Moscato was our pick for the picnic because it pairs nicely with spicy Thai flavors.
What I love about these hanging ice chests—besides how cute they look—is how portable they are. They mirror the convenience of canned wine: grab and go. Take them to the beach, a park, or just hang one in your backyard. Cups and straws aren’t necessary, but they do add a playful touch.
For our outing, Amelia and I packed a few essentials in a tote: two DIY ice chests already filled with ice, a few cans of Moscato, Thai food, and blankets. The portable chests kept everything chilled and made the picnic feel special without much fuss.
Photography Amelia Tatnall
Styling Brittni Mehlhoff
Would you try making a hanging ice chest before summer ends? These are quick to assemble, look great, and make any outdoor gathering feel a little more festive.
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This post was created in partnership with Seven Daughters. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.